Preds Captain Mike Fisher reaches retirement decision

Mike Fisher led the Preds on one helluva ride during his one season as the team captain – making it to the franchise’s first Stanley Cup Final.

Thursday morning, via the Tennessean, Fisher announced his retirement from the team and the sport of hockey after 17 seasons in the NHL.

This is the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but I know I’ve made the right one. I’ve decided to retire from the NHL.

I kept praying for peace about the next step in my life. A peace that said this is God’s will for your future. A peace that said whether or not this was the right time to walk away.

I don’t believe it came in a single instance or some aha moment, but as time passed, I gradually became certain that it was right for me to retire. I believe God gave me the ability to play hockey, and I was helped by dozens of individuals along the way, so it’s not just up to me on when it’s time to say goodbye.

Knowing we were so close to winning it all in June only makes it more difficult to leave it behind, but I do so with hope. Endings are always tough, but I believe when something ends, there are new beginnings, new opportunities and new things to be excited for, too.

I believe that this team, that this city, is going to win a championship, and I’m going to be the biggest fan. No one will be happier than I will be to see it happen, because, these fans, they deserve it.

Where do the Preds go from here? There’s plenty of talent on the roster, and budding talent. Fisher was a fantastic face of the franchise that expanded past the hockey world – with his wife Carrie Underwood.

Mike Fisher helped Nashville take hockey to a beautiful place over the last several seasons. Smashville will miss him. The team has multiple very good options to take over the “C” patch (and you can start those conversations now).

The 37 year old is moving on from playing the sport of hockey, but something within me says he might not be leaving Nashville. I guess that’s just my hope.